"BEF's unique conservation approach accelerated on-the-ground results to improve the health of the Methow Watershed that we would not have otherwise achieved."
John Crandall, Aquatic Ecologist and Monitoring Program Coordinator, Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation
"BEF connected us to resources including access to restoration loans, discounted native plant material, donations, and grant dollars to help us become more resilient."
Rebecca McCoun, Executive Director, North Santiam Watershed Council
"BEF is a valued watershed partner. They understand PNW ecosystems and their efforts to support lands, waters, and communities are vital to a greener future."
Brad Brandt, Manager of Forest Restoration Programs, Arbor Day Foundation
"By bringing together diverse partners in unified recovery efforts across watersheds in the Pacific Northwest, BEF amplifies the impact of our work to restore Puget Sound."
Allan Warren, Communications & Development Manager, Pierce Conservation District
"BEF respected our mission and our constituents voices, providing crucial communications support, adaptive transition strategies, and on-the-ground support during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic."
Lisa Fay Mubarak, Board Chairperson, Right 2 Survive
"BEF’s support to restore riparian areas provided vital fish habitat and shade for streams as well as uplands that were devastated by recent wildfires."
Marc Gauthier, Wildlife Program Manager, Upper Columbia United Tribes
Revitalizing critical watersheds takes collective, sustained effort. We build capacity for the long run.
We champion an integrated, community-based, whole watershed approach to overcome barriers to restoring freshwater ecosystems.
BEF is a trusted advisor and funder to a wide range of foundations, watershed organizations, community groups, government agencies, tribal nations, and water stewardship nonprofits. Our partners count on us to bring adaptive approaches, unbiased expertise, and a deep understanding of how to leverage resources and relationships to build much-needed capacity to restore watersheds. So can you.
What We Do
Restore watersheds with local communities
Support sustained watershed resiliency
Leverage resources and relationships
Evaluate project and systems impact
Exchange ideas and best practices
Engage new audiences
BEF Watersheds in Action
native plants
procured for watershed partners
watershed groups
supported through fundraising
watershed groups
received capacity building support
Our Approach
By honoring all voices and perspectives on the ground, BEF brings public, private, and policy interests together to achieve equitable environmental benefits for people and water.
What We’ve Learned
- Goals should be long-term and consider how social and environmental conditions may change in the future.
- Watershed initiatives that are grounded in diverse local values are more likely to gain traction and succeed.
- Resources matter – groups must have the human and financial capital they need to sustain capacity.
- Collaboration thrives in a climate of openness, curiosity, and shared experience from other relationships and places.
- Continuous improvement is a smarter approach for long-term success. Learn by doing, and adjust based on feedback received.
Advising Willamette River Initiative’s model watershed collective
Meyer Memorial Trust tapped BEF to bring new capacity and support to dozens of organizations.
Championing Teton River watershed restoration
BEF joins Friends of the Teton River to forge win-win solutions for watershed conservation.
Creating shared visions to achieve sustainable conservation outcomes
BEF partners with leaders like Valley Stewardship Network and Montana Watershed Coordination Council to build healthy watersheds and communities.
Supporting Oregon’s statewide ecological priorities
BEF shares expertise with the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board toward achieving their milestone objectives.